Flaming Leaf Press Presents New Novel by Gudjon Bergmann

Why would a psychiatrist who has been meditating for more than thirty years try to commit suicide? That is the question that drives protagonist Robert Davis in this spiritual mystery set in Austin, TX. The novel challenges preconceived ideas that meditation must always have beneficial effects. It explores the practice in relation to death, personal philosophy, and community.

The backdrop is the everyday life of a recovering alcoholic, lead parent, and therapist Robert Davis, whose whole life is upended after a meeting suicidal patient Dr. Vigo Andersen at the Austin Psychiatric Hospital. In his search for answers, Robert is sucked into a philosophical vortex that threatens everything he holds dear, including his marriage, his sobriety, his business, even his sanity. Will he lose everything or will he solve the puzzle?

"I wanted to write something real," says veteran nonfiction author Gudjon Bergmann about his debut novel. "Everyone knows that it is impossible to be happy and peppy all the time. Unfortunately, many of my peers in the self-developmental and New Age community would have us believe that. I wanted to write about the struggles that come along with spiritual practice, the confusion, the doubt, and the internal battles. Meditation does not create a steady ascent to enlightenment and there are many possible pitfalls. Few people acknowledge that. This novel will hopefully ignite a debate that explores the practice from all sides."

Where did he get the idea for The Meditating Psychiatrist Who Tried to Kill Himself?

"Fifteen years ago an acquaintance of mine, who taught Eastern meditation techniques, attempted to commit suicide. I could never figure out why. Meditation is supposed to elicit peace of mind, not longing for death, right? For me, it seemed like the perfect question to wrestle with in my debut novel."

Bergmann was born in Iceland in 1972, but moved the USA in 2010 and became a US citizen in 2013. He lives in Kyle, TX, with his wife and two children. He has written more than twenty nonfiction books about meditation, smoking cessation, mindful yoga, and stress management, to name a few topics.

To learn more about the author visit www.authorbergmann.com

For interview requests send an email directly to authorbergmann@gmail.com

Flaming Leaf Press was established in 2016. Our vision is to publish works that challenge stereotypes about spirituality and personal development. Email info@flamingleafpress.com for promotional copies of the book, either in paperback or ebook format. www.flamingleafpress.com

The Meditating Psychiatrist Who Tried to Kill Himself
Publisher: Flaming Leaf Press
Publication date: 4.4.16
Paperback: 6 x9, 194 pages, ISBN 978-0-9973012-0-5, $14.99
Ebook: 612 KB, ISBN 978-0-9973012-1-2, $9.99

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